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Get a clear, step-by-step explanation of this condition, including what symptoms matter and when to seek care.
Common Cold in Adults: Symptoms, Home Care, and When to Seek Care
Learn what causes the common cold, which symptoms are typical, what may help at home, and when urgent or emergency evaluation may be appropriate.
Understanding the Condition
The handout above provides a quick overview. If you'd like a little more detail, the sections below explain what the condition is, what symptoms to expect, how it's usually treated, and when to seek medical care.
Undertanding What It Is
A common cold is a viral infection of the nose, throat, and upper airways. It spreads easily from person to person and is caused by many different viruses. Symptoms happen because the immune system reacts to the infection, causing swelling, mucus, and irritation in the airways.
Undertanding Symptoms
Typical symptoms include a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat, cough, headache, and feeling tired. Symptoms often build over the first few days, then gradually improve. Fever can occur, but many adults with a cold do not have one.
Undertanding Treatment & Recovery
Most colds improve with rest, fluids, and other supportive care. Urgent care may help rule out problems such as flu, COVID-19, sinus infection, or pneumonia when symptoms are more severe or unusual. Most people begin to improve within several days, though cough and congestion can last longer.
Undertanding When To Seek Care
Seek medical care for worsening symptoms, trouble breathing, dehydration, persistent fever, or symptoms that are not improving as expected. Emergency care is appropriate for severe breathing difficulty, confusion, chest pain, fainting, or other signs of serious illness.